Mini JCW vs Citroen DS3 Racing: Blood Brothers
Same engines, very different philosophies but which wins this fraternal fight?
On the other side of the channel they do things a little differently, but they still lust after exclusive tuned examples of more rudimentary fare - even if these models don't sell in quite the same numbers as they do over here. And Citroen, having seen what rival Renault has achieved with its RenaultSport models, decided to get in on the act too - with its recent limited edition DS3 Racing. Sharing not just the same format as the Mini JCW, but an engine in common too these hot hatches go head-to-head in terms of performance and price.
The 211hp Mini John Cooper Works hatch was the first of this pair to hit UK streets though. Launched in 2008 it was in-part a development of the 192hp JCW tuning kit, which had been available to Mini Cooper S buyers from 2007. But with its own MF91 model code the JCW laid claim to being a distinct vehicle and boasted amongst other goodies a larger twin-scroll turbocharger, common-rail injection, re-engineered brakes, modified suspension and a strengthened transmission. Developed specifically for the Mini Challenge race car, the Hams Hall engine also claimed modified induction, plus a custom built sports exhaust with stainless twin tailpipes. Despite that power hike the JCW still beat 40mpg on the combined cycle, all but justifying the exclusive £20,550 price tag.
Dynamic Traction Control allowed enthusiastic drivers to make the most of the car's electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing front-end grip and cornering potential, whilst dedicated buyers could also opt for a JCW suspension which lowered the entire car by 10mm. Add in larger vented brake discs with red Brembo four-pot brake calipers, the obligatory sports button, exclusive 17-inch alloys and plenty of John Cooper Works logos, and Mini had a guaranteed recipe for success. So much so that it has sold 2,540 of the current generation Mini John Cooper Works hatch in the UK.
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Citroen's DS3 Racing could also be considered a development of an existing model (the DSport THP 150) but just as with the JCW it can also claim to be a unique product in its own right. Launched at the 2010 Geneva show and delivered to UK owners from February 2011, just 200 (out of a worldwide production run of 2,000 cars) were made for the UK - a more exclusive product than the JCW then. There were only two colour options - white and grey, or the black and orange of our photoshoot car. Not for the shy or retiring, the stickers were optional.
Based on the DSport THP 150, the DS3 Racing possesses a 20mm wider track, a revised suspension system which lowers the car by 15mm, one-off 18-inch alloys, uprated four-piston Brembo brakes, a unique electronic stability system and - perhaps best of all - lashings of proper carbon fibre. Priced at a hefty £23,100 the 207hp Racing's performance stats matched the JCW almost exactly, with a tad better fuel economy. A similar overall package then - but a seriously steep price tag for a small Citroen.
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Brothers in arms
So what do these two tailor-made hot-hatch cousins share in common? Always a thorny question and one the manufacturers would probably rather we didn't ask. But there's no disputing the common engine. The impressive compact four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged unit is one of many co-developed by BMW and Peugeot Citroen from 2004 onwards, and although both companies add their own finishing touches the results are near-identical.
In the case of the DS3 Racing the base engine was taken to Citroen's DS3 Poissy factory in France where the rest of the car was assembled, under the guidance of Citroen Racing - the group responsible for the highly-successful WRC car. Meanwhile the JCW, like all Mini hatch models, is manufactured at the Mini Plant in Oxford and features many components developed originally from the Cooper S. Different to look these two family rivals may be, but with common DNA at their heart and very similar layouts it's not surprising that they feel related.
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Family feud
But once you slip behind the wheel those seemingly small differences are magnified. It's all too easy to criticise Mini these days - there are just so many models around, and not all make great driving machines. But the JCW hatch is truly brilliant. Not because it's great value for money, or because looks mega cool, or indeed because it was breathed on by a famous tuning company but because it makes you feel like a brilliant driver. It's one of those rare cars where all you have to do to have fun is jump in, and floor the loud pedal. The engine revs freely, the driving position is A1, the front wheels do jump around in all directions but the electronic diff keeps you safe, the steering is always predictable and the braking easily up to the job. In short, it flatters you.
And that - despite Citroen's very best efforts - is something the DS3 Racing doesn't do, at least not straight away. Yes, the cabin looks fresher, the seats are more supportive, the performance is there (although the gear ratios are disappointingly longer) and the exhaust sounds just as exciting, but the lack of any kind of front LSD combined with a more supple suspension steals the DS3 Racing's mojo. Living with it for longer you do get used to things and can wring more out of the Citroen, but you still have to grip DS3 R by the scruff of the neck to get the best out of it - whereas the JCW Mini is up and at 'em the moment the start button is pressed.
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The limited-edition Citroen will undoubtedly turn more heads though (question - why would anyone buy the alternative grey-white version?) and with that eccentric styling, oodles of carbon fibre and an engine stamped 'Citroen Racing World Rally Champion' it's a truly appealing comic-book character. It feels surprisingly solidly-built too.
And if you fancy enhancing your DS3 R then aftermarket tuners can readily raise output to 240hp with enhanced induction and exhaust, up-rated plugs and a remap - but an oil catch can and a bigger intercooler is considered almost essential to minimise the risk of engine damage. You could do something very similar to a JCW Hatch too, although few owners have bothered thus far, and the overall running costs for these two run neck and neck with both easily capable of 40mpg-plus. So the final decision could simply come down to price, with neither contender offering exceptional value for money.
The cheapest DS3 Racings are currently a couple of grand dearer than the earliest JCW hatches, but with so few around long-term residuals are likely to be stronger. We reckon the majority of PHers would rather have the Mini though.
However a far bigger question remains - does buying an in-house tuned hot-hatch really make any sense? On the strength of these two definitely - but only if you buy one secondhand.
Engine: 1,598cc 4-cyl turbo
Power (hp): 207@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 203@2,000-4,500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Kerb weight: 1,165kg
Top Speed: 146mph
0-62mph: 6.5secs
MPG (NEDC combined): 44.1
CO2: 149g/km
Price: £14,995 to £19,995
Manufactured: 2011-12
Love it: There's just nothing else like it on the road
Loathe it: Why didn't they fit some of trick front diff?
Spotted:2011 Citroen DS3 Racing, 13,000 miles, £16,995
Engine: 1,598cc 4-cyl turbo
Power (hp): 211@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 206@1,820-5,600rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual/auto
Kerb weight: 1,215kg (auto 1,235kg)
Top Speed: 148mph (auto 147mph)
0-62mph: 6.5secs (auto 6.7secs)
MPG (NEDC combined): 42.8 (auto 39.8mpg)
CO2: 153g/km (auto 165g/km)
Price: £11,995 to £28,465
Manufactured: 2008-on (auto 2012-on)
Love it: Makes even the most ham-fisted driver appear good
Loathe it: It's just another Mini isn't it?
Spotted:2008 Mini JCW, 46,000 miles, £11,250
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Many thanks to Adrian Wincomb and Oliver Arif for their help with this feature
Photos: Max Earey
Not a bad car by any means but I got the feeling that £23k could have been better spent on other things on the car as opposed to the real carbon fibre etc.
As for the suspension, it was actually quite well damped (firm but compliant) when I drove it on the road. On track no doubt it could be made quicker by being firmer but that isn't always the point is it... (or is it?)
but then i get in the thing, floor it it the fun that can be had at reasonably sane speeds on country roads is just plain daft.
pop's & bangs on the over-run, i short throw chunky little gearbox & peddles sorted for heel & toe just make you drive like a hooligan whenever the opportunity arises.
it's well made, funky looking & brilliant to drive. i should really get the thing out on track more than i am but i just can't find the time.
Nah, these are blood brothers!
The JCW is the nearest production car I've driven that feels like driving a Ginetta G4 (my favourite all time car) - on my second new JCW now (white/red one next to the GP in pic).
Been in the new GP and that is just streets ahead of most stuff. Superb car. My next, unless I can find a G4 at the right price.
It gets under your skin and makes you smile which is all I ask these days. Sure there are quicker and certainly there are better behaved - I've been lucky to drive a lot of "better" cars - but one that makes me as day to day happy without getting the wrong side of 100?
Nah, these are blood brothers!
The JCW is the nearest production car I've driven that feels like driving a Ginetta G4 (my favourite all time car) - on my second new JCW now (white/red one next to the GP in pic).
Been in the new GP and that is just streets ahead of most stuff. Superb car. My next, unless I can find a G4 at the right price.
Ive sold used mini and they had so many problems and came back with so many complaints about poor build quality that the dealership stopped the whole "used mini centre".... They still sell new & used DS3.
At least the Citroen isnt a 15 year old design that should of been replaced along time ago.
They are both fashion accessories tho. Harsh I know, but i wouldn't buy either.
I wouldn't consider a used one, most are for sale on the forecourt for one reason....................
Stef
Just curious.... with 40mpg+ these cars are tempting....
Cheers
Jerry
Stef
Stef
Stef
I think you are getting confused with the standard DS3 1.6 Turbo which does have a healthy proportion of modified cars and owners and do have certain known issues.
Stefan
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